Living and Loving Like Jesus

Join Thalia United Methodist Church for worship Sundays at 8:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
Summer Worship Schedule: One Worship Service at 10:30 a.m.

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Join Us

Join us on Sundays for traditional service at 8:30 am, and combined traditional and contemporary worship at 10:30 a.m. Children’s Church at 10:30 a.m. and nursery is also available.

Summer Worship Schedule: One Worship Service at 10:30 am

About Us

Get In Touch

Have a question about any of our ministries or worship times? Click below to message us directly!

Contact Us

Sharing God's Grace

Welcome to the virtual home of Thalia United Methodist Church! We are located one mile east of Town Center in Virginia Beach. Our mission is to educate and nurture our local community in the faith and love of Jesus Christ. We envision Thalia United Methodist Church as a dynamic church committed to sharing God’s grace through Christian service to our community. We look forward to welcoming you to Thalia UMC!

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Administration Office Hours

Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

By appointment after 1 p.m. and Fridays

Send Us a Message

Join Us in Worship

Here at Thalia United Methodist Church, all are welcome to worship with us! Pastor Megan offers an empowering message at both services every Sunday. At 8:30 a.m., we have the Traditional service. Our 10:30 a.m. service is a combined service that integrates both traditional and contemporary elements.


No matter where you are on your faith journey we encourage you to join us in worship! We celebrate Holy Communion on the first Sunday of every month at the 8:30 am service and every Sunday at the 10:30 am service. In the United Methodist Church, we believe in an open Communion table so all are welcome at the Lord's Table. 

Please note our Summer Worship Schedule: One Worship Service at 10:30 am

Our Beliefs

Teaching the Word of God to All People

We welcome you with open arms and loving hearts. We are so glad that you are here with us today. If you are looking for answers to your questions about God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit you have found the right place.


The United Methodist Church is committed to nurturing and teaching the Word of God to all people. But in addition to preaching the Word of God, we also support and care about one another. We welcome you to be a part of the Thalia UMC Family. We want you to join us in spreading the good news to all people about our call to live and love like Jesus Christ, and we want to have you as a part of our church family. Please feel free to ask questions and look around when you visit.


When we join the United Methodist Church, we are asked to commit to participate in the life of the church with our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Each of these components is an integral part of our membership and our responsibility to the United Methodist Church and Thalia UMC. 


Throughout its more than 70 years, Thalia United Methodist Church has provided opportunities for worship, spiritual growth, and service. We have built a strong foundation on which we will continue to build into the future. We invite you to join our fellowship and our family and become a valuable part of this congregation.


If you have questions about Thalia UMC, the United Methodist Church, and/or what we believe please reach out to Pastor Megan. She is happy to have a conversation with you about it.

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What We Believe

  • God

    We believe in the Holy Trinity of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. ONE God in THREE persons. Each is equal to the other and part of the Trinity.



    We believe in God, who created the world, animals, and humans. We believe in a loving, relational, and grace filled God who continues to long for relationships with humans despite our flaws and mistakes. We believe God's grace is at work in our lives before we even know God. 

  • Jesus

    We believe in Jesus Christ, God's son, who was sent to earth to walk among us, teach us how to live and love, and to die for our sins on the cross. Through Jesus' death and resurrection we are granted eternal life in heaven with God and Jesus. We believe Jesus Christ is both fully human and fully divine.

  • The Holy Spirit

    We believe in the Holy Spirit who is with us always, who works around us, and inside us to guide us in the ways we are called to live and love. The Holy Spirit is our comforter and our guide in life. 



    If all of this seems a bit confusing, you are not alone. The concept of the Trinity is often referred to as a mystery because we as humans do not fully understand the Trinity.

pastor

Pastor Megan (Meg) Collins

Rev. Megan Collins

Pastor Meg grew up in a military family and lived in many places prior to settling in

Virginia. She graduated from York High School in Yorktown. Following graduation, she then went on to Christopher Newport University in Newport News, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. When she decided to enter into the ministry, she earned her Master’s of Divinity from Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond.

Pastor Meg met her husband Jason in 2008 and they were married in September of 2009 at a campground in Indiana and they had a second wedding in January 2010 at Ebeneezer UMC in Suffolk. They enjoy spending time together at home with their three dogs, Mia, Odin, and Kronos. They also enjoy going for adventures on their Harley.

Pastor Meg was raised in the United Methodist Church. She was baptized at the age of 9 years old at Chugiak UMC in Chugiak, Alaska. She was then Confirmed at the age of 13 years old at First UMC in Bangor, Maine. When she was called into ministry she was sent into ministry by St. Luke’s UMC in Yorktown, Virginia.

In her spare time, she likes to make beaded jewelry, sew, take her dogs to training classes, and take her therapy dog, Odin to visit hospitals, schools, etc. She enjoys meeting people and learning their stories. She is always up for a good cup of coffee or trying a new restaurant.

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History Behind Thalia United Methodist Church

In the early 1950s, several families in the Thalia community attended services held at Scott Memorial Methodist Church in Oceana. Realizing the need for a new church in the fast-growing Thalia community, a small group began meeting in one of the homes each Sunday. On January 18th, 1953, at precisely 3:00 p.m., the Thalia Methodist Church School was born and met in the old Thalia Civic Club (better known as the old fire house). We had an assortment of mismatched chairs, a piano, a pulpit, and a pot-bellied stove to keep us warm. On March 29, 1953, Thalia Church was organized with thirty-three charter members.


Through many difficulties and trials, the membership of both Sunday school and church grew under the leadership of our Supply Minister, Mr. E.E. Cox, who was a public school teacher. A building fund was set up in 1954. The sum of $5,999 was raised by August 21, 1955, and plans for building a permanent church proceeded. The Thalia Methodist Church cornerstone was laid during services, and on Sunday night, October 2, the church’s first revival took place. In this busy year, more than one hundred new members joined the congregation. By this time, the church was in need of a full-time pastor, and on June 16th, 1957, Mr. Cox preached his last sermon. Bill Asher took over, and Thalia Methodist was well on its way.


As membership continued to grow, plans for an education building were made. In 1960, classes first met in the new education building, and the new sanctuary was completed. Many additional improvements were soon under way. In 1967, a newer and bigger educational building was completed, and in January of 1970, a new sanctuary was consecrated (it is the one we enjoy today).

Throughout its over 60 years, Thalia United Methodist Church has provided opportunities for worship, spiritual growth, and service. We have built a strong foundation on which we will continue to build into the future.


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Church Staff

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Rev. Megan Collins

Senior Pastor

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church staff
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Bob Holdren

Sexton

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Contact Our Staff

Become a Member at Thalia UMC

There are a few ways of joining any local United Methodist Church: Baptism, Profession or Reaffirmation of Faith, and Transfer of Membership. As United Methodists, we celebrate infant and adult baptism. This means that we acknowledge God’s grace that is already at work in each of us before we are aware of our need for God’s love. We also acknowledge that there is a need for only one baptism to celebrate and signify God’s saving work through Jesus Christ, which means we do not re-baptize Christians. However, we encourage everyone to remember their baptism every day.

Those interested in membership are invited to submit a New Member Application to our Pastor, Rev. Megan Collins. There are three sections: Head of Household, Co-Head of Household, and Children. A printable version is also available for download.

After your application is submitted, the pastor will review it and contact you to schedule a time to meet, where you will be able to ask questions, tour the church, learn more about Thalia UMC and learn more about the United Methodist Church. In the meantime, we invite you to attend any of our Sunday worship services.

Leadership Rooted in Love

Your interest in leadership at Thalia United Methodist Church suggests that God is calling and equipping you to make a positive impact on our community. It takes the prayers, gifts, service, and time of dedicated people like you to organize the local church to fulfill our mission. God calls every local church to help people comprehend the love of Jesus Christ. If you are answering a call to serve as a leader, please prayerfully consider applying for a leadership position at Thalia United Methodist Church so that, being rooted in love, we will help others grasp the wonder of God’s love.

Leadership Application

Leadership Team

The purpose of the Leadership Team is to simplify the administrative work of the Church Council (SPPRC, Finance, and Trustees) in order to resource the local church to accomplish its goal of growing disciples of Jesus Christ.


Members include:

  • Lay Leader
  • Pastor
  • Chair of the Leadership Committee
  • Chair of Trustees
  • Chair of Ministries
  • Chair of Staff Pastor Parish Relations (SPPRC)
  • Chair of Finance
  • Ministry Council Chair
  • 3 at-large members

Leadership Application

Ministry Council

The purpose of the Ministry Council is to coordinate the ministry teams that provide hands-on opportunities to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ. Each ministry team has a chairperson and sub-groups to perform the work of organizing opportunities for people in our community to grow in Christ.


Ministry teams include:


I. Director of Discipleship – chairperson 

II. Director of Music

III. Contemporary Worship Lead 

IV. Representatives from: 

  • Spiritual Formation
  • Worship
  • Missions
  • Fellowship
  • United Women in Faith 
  • United Methodist Men

To apply to be a chairperson, you will need to complete a Spiritual Gifts Inventory, Primary Leadership Components Assessment (PLC), and Leadership Application. Pastor Joe, who will review all applications with the Nominating Committee, thanks you for your willingness to serve Christ with us!

PLC Assessment

Church Newsletter

Check out past issues or use the button below to subscribe and have our newsletter delivered to your email inbox!

Contribute in Worship

Thalia United Methodist Church provides multiple ways for individuals to use their gifts to praise God every week in worship. Contributing to worship takes many forms, which may include work behind the scenes preparing for worship or in front of the congregation on Sunday. To learn more about how you may offer your skills to praise God in this ministry, please contact our Worship Chairperson.

  • Acolytes
  • Sacraments
  • Wedding Coordinator
  • Ushers
  • Altar Guild
  • Funeral Coordinator
  • Media Team
  • Music
  • Liturgist

Contact Us to Learn More About Volunteering

New to Thalia United Methodist Church?

Find Answers to Your Questions

  • Is there someone that will greet visitors?

    Ushers are available to welcome guests and offer assistance during worship.

  • How long do worship services last?

    Most services last an hour.

  • Is there handicapped parking available?

    Yes. We recommend those needing handicapped parking use the spaces located at the rear of the building, which are closer to the sanctuary.

  • What should I wear?

    You are welcome to come as you are or dress up in your Sunday best. Our sanctuary is climate-controlled, but we recommend you still dress for the elements.

  • Is free parking available?

    Yes. We have a large parking lot that is free to use during worship services.

  • How will I know if worship is canceled due to inclement weather?

    If worship service is canceled or postponed due to inclement weather, an announcement will be posted on our website and social media accounts as soon as the decision is made. However, we encourage all visitors to exercise caution when making the decision to travel in inclement weather.

  • Can non-members attend a worship service?

    Yes, all are welcome to join us for worship. If you are interested in membership, you may also submit an application online here.

  • How do I get there?

    We are conveniently located about one mile east of Town Center on Virginia Beach Blvd. From I-264, take the Independence Blvd North exit. At the third stoplight, turn right onto Virginia Beach Blvd. Travel approximately one mile east on Virginia Beach Blvd and you will find us on the right side.

    You may also click the map below to get driving directions from your location.

  • Why is Thalia United Methodist Church so popular?

    The United Methodist Church is committed to nurturing and teaching the word of God to all people. In addition to preaching the word of God, we also support and care about one another. We welcome you to be a part of this church. Thalia United Methodist Church wants you to join us in spreading the good news to everyone about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and we want to have you as a part of our church family. Please contact us with your questions and look around when you visit.


    When we join the United Methodist Church, we are asked to get involved in the life of the church with our prayers, presence, gifts, and service. Each of these components is a vital part of a holy covenant.


    For more than 50 years, Thalia United Methodist Church has offered opportunities for worship, spiritual growth, and service. We have laid a strong foundation on which we will continue to build into the future. We invite you to join our fellowship and our family and become a valuable part of this mission.


    If you are interested in learning more about Thalia United Methodist Church, please contact us.